Adobe Flash has been an integral part of the web for decades, enabling rich content and animations in browsers since before HTML5 was introduced. In modern browsers, web standards pioneered by Microsoft, Adobe, Google, Apple, Mozilla, and many others are now enabling sites to exceed those experiences without Flash and with improved performance and security. Starting in the Anniversary Edition of Windows 10, we began to give users more control over Flash by selectively pausing certain Flash content, like ads, that were not central to the page.
In our next release, we will extend this functionality and encourage the transition to HTML5 alternatives by providing additional user control over when Flash content loads. Windows Insiders will be able to try an early implementation of this feature soon in upcoming preview builds. The user experience will evolve as we move towards a stable release in the Windows 10 Creator’s Update next year.
Sites that support HTML5 will default to a clean HTML5 experience. In these cases, Flash will not even be loaded, improving performance, battery life, and security. For sites that still depend on Flash, users will have the opportunity to decide whether they want Flash to load and run, and this preference can be remembered for subsequent visits.
Sample of the user experience when the user clicks on a blocked Flash control.
We are deeply aware that Flash is an integral part of many web experiences today. To ease the transition to HTML5, these changes initially will not affect the most popular sites which rely on Flash today. In the coming months, we will actively monitor Flash consumption in Microsoft Edge and will gradually shorten the list of automatic exceptions. At the end of this process, users will remain in control, and will be able to choose Flash for any site they visit.
We advise web developers to migrate to standardized content delivery mechanisms like JavaScript and HTML5 Encrypted Media Extensions, Media Source Extensions, Canvas, Web Audio, and RTC in the coming months.
This change will provide all users improved performance, greater stability, and stronger security. These changes are similar to updates coming from our friends at Apple, Mozilla, and Google. We look forward to continued work with these partners, and with Adobe, to improve the capabilities and security of the web for all users.
Case Study: How the Browning Law Group helps safeguard client trust with Office 365
To succeed in almost any business, you need the right technology. So in 2015, the Browning Law Group adopted Microsoft Office 365 to manage collaboration and communication from the Microsoft cloud. Allow me to explain why we made that choice and how it’s helped us protect our relationships with our clients.
The right technology for today’s connected business world
Running my own practice is very rewarding, but it’s not always easy. I have to manage cash flow, keep track of payables and receivables, make payroll and at the same time make sure that my clients are happy with the work we produce and with the efficiency of our communication with them. In today’s connected business world, that means putting technology systems in place that allow our lawyers and staff to collaborate effectively.
But we’re a small business. I do not want to spend tens of thousands of dollars on servers or spend time managing a technology infrastructure and solving IT problems. I want to spend my effort practicing law, so I can help my clients avoid problems and be successful. I needed one integrated technology environment that would work for me, rather than make me feel like I was working for it.
Safeguards that my clients and I can trust
The biggest consideration for any attorney, however, is security. All lawyers routinely deal with confidential and potentially sensitive client information. I need to do everything I can to assure that every area of my practice is secured—especially when we communicate with clients over email or share documents over the Internet. It’s more than just a moral or ethical obligation; lawyers are required by Bar Association rules to maintain client confidentiality, and any technology I use has to meet those standards. I can’t allow the integrity of my firm to be compromised by technology that’s not secured.
After I added all that up, Office 365 was an easy choice. When we communicate through Outlook or Skype for Business Online, collaborate using OneNote or SharePoint Online, or share documents on OneDrive for Business, we can rely on security tools in Office 365 to help safeguard those communications and control access to that information. We have set up 15 separate portals on SharePoint Online that contain more than 30,000 documents. Almost every day we store and share letters, transcripts, pleadings and other documents or files on OneDrive for Business. With Office 365, I have complete control over who can access any of that information. I can set controls that let clients or their authorized agents access their files at any time, and I can give my staff access to the information and documents they need, while at the same time I can keep my administrative files private and safeguard my clients’ confidentiality.
A versatile, highly secured environment—and healthy relationships
A large part of my business is developing trust with my clients. If that trust is broken, then my entire practice could be in jeopardy. When a client provides us with confidential information, it’s critical that we work to protect that information. But with Office 365, we have an agile, versatile and highly secured environment that helps us compete with larger firms, protect client confidentiality and maintain healthy client relationships.
In the same way that my clients have to trust me, I have to trust the technology my firm relies on. I know that I can with Office 365.
Managed Solution is a full-service technology firm that empowers business by delivering, maintaining and forecasting the technologies they’ll need to stay competitive in their market place. Founded in 2002, the company quickly grew into a market leader and is recognized as one of the fastest growing IT Companies in Southern California.
We specialize in providing full Microsoft solutions to businesses of every size, industry, and need.
SharePoint Server 2016 is available today. If you’ve been evaluating the IT Preview and later releases since August, you’re aware of foundational updates we’ve made to SharePoint Server. For SharePoint admins this means improved provisioning and update management, new compliance tools to protect data and hybrid architectural options to link SharePoint Server 2016 with Exchange Server 2016 and Office 365. With today’s release, we’ve added a number of new capabilities based on your feedback.
In this demonstration, Bill Baer from the SharePoint team highlights what’s been added since January’s Release Candidate; Durable Links to ensure file links work even if you rename or change the location of a file, new admin experiences and the most recent additions for configuring hybrid solutions with Office 365 services.
Those are just highlights of what’s new. To learn more, check out the reviewer’s guide or download and evaluate SharePoint Server 2016.
Please join us May 4, 2016 for a live online event to see and hear more about SharePoint Server 2016. Jeff Teper, CVP for OneDrive and SharePoint, will present the vision and roadmap for SharePoint and OneDrive for Business, both on-premises and in the cloud with Office 365. Following the keynote will be a number of sessions detailing what’s new and noteworthy for admins, developers and users—along with sneak peek demos of what’s coming—be sure to register today.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]